Cake shield

ABSTRACT

A cake shield is provided to ensure against contamination during candle extinguishing. The shield is a thin, preferably clear (to expose the icing of the cake) and disposable layer of plastic or paperboard which is preferably provided with a window for the candles to pass through. The window facilitates the placement and removal of the candles after extinguishing the same. The cake shield is preferably sufficiently large to protect much of the top and iced surface of the cake from germs during candle “blow out” and from saliva, also during candle extinguishing. The thin flat layer of the cake shield is supported by small, preferably integrally formed, legs which gently touch upon the top surface of the cake. After the candles are extinguished and removed, the shield is easily removed and the entirety of the device is discarded. The cake shield can be decorated or shaped to correspond to the occasion being celebrated or may be entirely plain to allow the icing to fully being exposed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to providing protection to a cakeduring the process of blowing out candles on the cake. Morespecifically, Birthday, Holiday and Other Occasion Cakes (hereinafteroften collectively referred to as “Occasion Cakes”) are often providedwith candles. When the candles are blown out, the breath of air providedby the candle snuffer, i.e., the individual, can often be contaminatedwith infectious disease and/or saliva. The present invention is asimple, inexpensive, disposable, and visually pleasing device whichallows the cake decorations to be easily seen, does not unnecessarilycover the entirely of the cake, allows the candles to be easily placedon the cake and removed after blowing them out (after they are first litby a match) and then allows the cake to be sliced for serving. The cakepieces are then substantially free of saliva and airborne particleswhich could have otherwise been blown onto the cake by the person(s)responsible for blowing out the candles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Birthday, Holiday and Occasion cakes are often decorated withicing. Many home bakers, commercial bakeries and mass merchants providesuch cakes with icing designs with a particular motif or theme as, forexample, Baby's 1^(st) Birthday; a Baseball game; a Racecar; Barbie (iflicensed); Graduation; Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, etc. These colorful cakedecorations are meant to be visually pleasing and protected until thecake is sliced for serving.

[0003] Candles are frequently placed on the Birthday, Holiday and otherOccasional Cakes to help commemorate the event being celebrated. Afterthe candles are lit, by a match or other means, the person or personswho are involved in the commemoration are then asked to blow the candleor candles out to extinguish the same. Then, the candles are often firstremoved (although not necessarily) and then the cake sliced or cut forserving. This simple process of cake serving has been employed by tensof thousands for years.

[0004] Recently, SARS has become a public health concern. SARS (SevereAcute Respiratory Syndrome) is thought to be transmitted via airbornegerms. Many people are currently wearing filtering type masks to preventbecoming infected with SARS and other airborne diseases. Breathing bythose outside of one's immediate family, even sometimes within ones'immediate family, onto food which is about to be ingested carries healthrisks and is not a pleasant thought. The thought of ingesting a piece ofOccasion cake which has just been blown (or accidentally spat upon byyoungsters whose birthday it is) while trying to extinguish the candlesmay ruin an otherwise pleasurable event. Indeed, some members may besufficiently nauseated by the prospect, independent of the possibilityof contracting an airborne disease, that they might not eat the slice ofcake served upon them.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,455 relates to a birthday cake cover andcandle holder. That device shows a device which is configured to beinserted into the birthday cake which is then provided with a disc-likeelement which slides over the rod inserted into the cake and whichsupports the candles. This device is multiple pieces, does not allow thecandles to rest upon the cake but, rather, supports them above thesurface of the cake, is relatively sturdy (and consequently, noteconomically disposable) to support the candles, and requires molding ofthe device to accommodate the number of candles intended to be supportedin the recesses of the disc. Removing the device requires a firstremoval of the disc-like support from the supporting post and thenremoving the disc-like post.

[0006] The present invention, in contrast, is extremely inexpensive, isintended to be one piece, and disposable. It does not physically supportthe individual candles and thus it need not be as sturdy (and thereforeis less expensive to manufacture and purchase by the consumer). Rather,the present invention contemplates that the candles be passed through anopening in the thin plastic shield. Then, the candles, after beingextinguished can be pulled out of the cake and out through the sameopening in the shield. By being inexpensive and thin plastic, incontrast to the device of U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,455, the present inventionis a single piece which gently rests upon the cake, supported by smalllegs on the cake's top surface, and, therefore, the cake's visualdecoration is more visible, less distorted, and less likely to besmeared. The weight and bulk of the device of the '455 patent may resultin a mishap and smear the icing when it is installed onto the cake andwhen the device is sought to be removed for cake serving. Also, byeliminating the recesses for the individual candles, as the presentinvention does, the cake shield of the present invention can be moreeasily decorated with a wide variety of designs, themes and motifs.Also, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the cakeshield of the present invention can be die cut and decorated to adesired shape. Furthermore, it should be apparent that the presentinvention, by being thin plastic, disposable and inexpensive, may allowfor a wide variety of shapes and/or decorations thereon such that cakedecoration at the bakery (or in the home) can be reduced. All that maybe needed for an effective and visually pleasing Occasion Cake is thestandard icing on the top and sides of the cake and the top edges. Thethin plastic shield can then provide the other decoration, with orwithout the name of the occasion or person be celebrated.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,274 shows a candle bearing ceremonious cakeshield. This device is large and bulky, yet disclosed as transparent anddisposable. It requires a plurality of depressions that are intended tohold and support candles and a slotted groove in the horizontal coverfor containing and supporting wax candle numerals. The sidewalls of thecake cover provide arched windows and outward steps. The cover is alsoconstructed with a plurality of perforations which allow the lowersection of the sidewall to be torn away to lower the total height of thecover. This device is a cake protector and is difficult to mold andseems cumbersome to store. Contrastingly, the present invention is asimple die-cut thin plastic sheet of a preferred shape (circular,square, rectangular, oval, or even theme shape, e.g., race car, baseballdiamond, horse, etc.) which is inexpensive to manufacture and very easyfor a retailed to store in a minimum of space. The flatness of the sheetof plastic allows for the sheet to be decorated, as desired.Alternatively, the sheet can be simple and entirely clear plastic toallow the entire cake decoration to be seen there through. Disposal ofthe cake shield of the present invention is easy and takes a minimumamount of refuse space, too.

[0008] In addition, as will be explained, the present invention does notsupport the candles thereon so that it can be made in thin, transparent,inexpensive plastic. The candles are intended to pass through one ormore windows or openings in the cake shield. Thus, the candles areplaced through the opening(s) in the shield prior to illuminating thesame and after candle extinction, the candles are easily removed throughthe same window.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is a thin, clear or transparent, plasticshield for an Occasional Cake. The shield is provided with three or morethin, plastic legs which gently touch upon the top surface of the cake.In this manner the decorated icing of the cake is not significantlyimpacted by the shield. The shield is provided with one or more windowsor openings which allow candles to be passed there through for placementand removal. The shield can be decorated with appropriate names,messages, themes or blank so as to allow the entirety of the cake's topsurface to be seen and appreciated. After use, the shield is removed anddiscarded, providing a sanitary clean and relatively unbreathed upon topcake surface. The recipients of the sliced cake are thus more confidentthat they have not been accidentally exposed to airborne diseases orsaliva by the person(s) responsible for extinguishing the candles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of the present invention,an occasion cake and a set of candles, consistent with the preferredembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THEINVENTION

[0011] A cake 100 is shown. For illustration purposes the cake is shownas a simple round cake. The cake is provided with icing 200 which alsois provided on the outside edge of the top of the cake and thus extendsabove the surface of the iced top of the cake. The present invention, inone embodiment corresponds in size and shape to the size and shape ofthe cake for which it is intended as a shield. Thus a 10″ round cakeshould use a 10″ round shield. However, an 8″ round shield could also beused, all within the discretion of the cake presenter. Alternatively,however, the shield of the present invention can be rectangular for around cake, can be shaped in a fanciful design (like a racecar; abaseball diamond; a Christmas tree; the number 1, etc., depending on theOccasion sought to be commemorated by the cake) or can deliberatelymismatch to the shape and/or size of the cake. For further example, theround shield can be smaller than the cake's top surface or can be around shape even for a rectangular top surface of a cake. These are allwithin the scope of the present invention and within the discretion ofthe shield manufacturer/designer/supplier.

[0012] The cake 100 is preferably iced with frosting 200 of anyconventional type. Generally, the cake supplier to the customer and thecustomer's presentation of the cake to the recipient or person(s) beingcommemorated desire that the icing be maintained in a pristine and cleanfashion, i.e., without smearing. Toward that end the shield of thepresent invention is provided. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the cake is iced and decorated, for example, with theperson's name, Birthday # (age of the recipient) and other colorfulicing decorations. In an alternate use of the present invention, thecake is a simple yet fully iced cake but not decorated for the shield ofthe present invention provides the information, text, age, and fancifuldecorations. This allows a consumer to buy a generic cake and supply theshield to conform the cake to the occasion. Thus, bakeries and massmerchants, e.g., Sam's Club, BJ's, Costco, etc. need not have an icer onpremises for the cakes to be used for occasions, rather, the buyer canselect one cake from the generic offered product line and select theparticular shield which offers the best match of colors, design,information, theme, etc. to that which the buyer desires. The presentinvention thus shortens the time for a consumer to purchase a decoratedcake in that it no longer needs to be personally decorated since theshield provides the same and, in addition, provides a sanitary andhygienic protection of the cake.

[0013] The cake shield 10 is a thin, inexpensive, substantiallytransparent planar surface. It is desirably plastic but can be thinpaperboard, too. As mentioned, in the preferred embodiment it conformsto the size and shape of the cake sought to be protected or is die cutto a fanciful shape to match the theme desired. The cake shield iseither wholly plain, partly decorated or fully decorated withconventional ink-type printing thereon. In the wholly plain version, theentirety of the underlying cake is visible and the decoration of thecake is appreciated. In the partially decorated version, some text,information, some decoration is provided and, yet, some of the residualcake icing and decoration is visible therethrough. In the fullydecorated version, the cake shield may not be transparent but is coveredwith the decoration provided by the manufacturer, as selected by theconsumer.

[0014] The cake shield, as mentioned, is preferably the size and shapeof the cake. However, other shapes and sizes can be used. Also, the cakeshield can, although not desired, extend over the edge or outsidecircumference of the top surface of the cake. In any event, the cakeshield must present a minimum surface area such that some, preferablymuch, if not all of the cake's top surface is not blown directly uponwhen candles are extinguished by blowing them out.

[0015] The cake shield 10 is provided with legs 12, thin pieces ofintegrally molded plastic which support the cake shield above thesurface of the cake. The legs 12 extend downwardly from the underside ofthe cake shield 12. In the preferred embodiment, at least 3 such legs 12are formed with the cake shield to provide a sturdy support for the cakeshield such that it is level, parallel to the cake's top surface, butjust above the cake's top surface. It is anticipated that the height ofthe legs should be in the range of about ½ inch to 1 inch, but in anyevent at least long enough to suspend the cake shield above the highestpoint of the icing's upward extension above the cake's top surfaceincluding the icing on the edge of the cake. The number of legs may bevaried to accommodate the size and shape of the shield. In an alternateembodiment, a single leg may be provided, centrally located ofsufficient rigidity and strength to support the entire cake shield in arelatively level manner. However, it is currently contemplated thatmultiple smaller legs 12 are more aesthetically pleasing than the singlelarge cake shield-supporting leg. If three legs 12 are provided they canbe equidistant from one another.

[0016] The cake shield is further provided with one or more (preferablyone) windows or cut-outs 14. These are die cut by the manufactureralthough it is within the scope of the invention to provide the cakeshield with the window or cut-out intact yet connected to the balance ofthe cake shield by perforations. Then, if desired, the window or cut-outcan be partially, incrementally or fully removed to open up that lengthof window or cut-out needed for the number of candles 300 to be placedon the cake. In the preferred embodiment, the window(s) or cut-out(s) isarcuate and conforms to the shape of the outside circumferential wall ofthe cake shield. This is intended to be visually more pleasing than astraight line window or cut out. Of course, many or only one window orcut-out 14 can be provided to accommodate one or many candles, asdesired. The shape, contour and sizing of the window or cut-out 14 mustbe adequate to accommodate the candles intended to be used with thecurrent invention. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,the bottom end of the candle(s) 300 are passed through the window orcut-out 14 until they are placed into the icing on the top surface ofthe cake 100. However, it is also within the scope of the presentinvention for the cake shield 10 not to be provided with any window orcut-out if no candles are used or if candles are still desired for thecake shield to substantially protect the cake yet allow the candles tobe placed into the top surface of the cake, yet not through a window ofthe cake shield. So, for example, in the case of a rectangular cake8″×10″, a cake shield could be provided 8″×9″ and the candles could beplaced into the open 8″×1″ area. The cake is still substantiallyprotected from the extinguisher's germs. The same concept can be adoptedfor round cakes, i.e., either a smaller round cake shield can be used orthe cake shield may be round of the same diameter yet a portion of theshield cut off (circumscribed by a chord and a portion of thecircumference) for the candle placement. The window(s) or cut-out(s) 14can be secured to the cake shield's planar, thin layer of plastic byperforations. The user of the shield can then determine how much, if atall, and when, the window of the shield should expose that portion ofthe top iced surface of the cake superimposed by the shield defining thewindow 14. All, part or none of the shield may be removed to define thewindow area for the candles 300 until the candles are necessarily put inplace.

[0017] In use, a cake 100 is provided with icing 200. The appropriateand selected cake shield 10, decorated or not is provided. The smalllegs 12 facilitate easy placement of the shield on the top surface ofthe cake. Then, the candles 300 are placed into the cake. In the case ofa window or cut-out 14, the bottom ends of the candles 300 are passedthrough the window or cut-out 14 and pressed gently into the cake. Wherethe window is defined by the extension of the cake shield's layer ofplastic until separated therefrom by ripping of the perforations, thewindow is made by removing all or a portion to expose that portion ofthe cake needed for the candles. A small tab (not shown) may be providedto facilitate the removal of the plastic of the cake shield to definethe size and shape of the window or cut-out 14. The candles 300 can thenbe lit by match or other means. Then, the cake is presented to therecipient-honoree. The appropriate song, if any, sung and the recipientcan blow out the candles by puffing air onto the flickering flames. Thenow-extinguished candles can now be removed from the cake with the lowerends of the candles being pulled out of the cake by grabbing the tops ofthe candles (being careful not to burn oneself from the heat of theformerly lit candles). Then, the cake shield 10 is removed anddiscarded. The cake is now ready for slicing and serving, as desired. Ahygienic cake is served to the guests, substantially free of theairborne germs which may or may not be present in the recipient's lungsand system and also substantially free, in the case of children, fromsaliva which is often associated with their efforts at blowing outcandles. A good time and anxiety free time will be had by all.

1. A cake shield for a cake having a top iced surface comprising: a) asubstantially planar and solid, thin layer of plastic overlyingsubstantially only the top iced surface and not extending substantiallyover and down the sides of the cake, said layer having at least onewindow therethrough for selective receipt and removal of two or morecandles therethrough, and b) at least one leg secured to the bottom ofsaid layer, recessed inwardly from its edge and in contact with said topiced surface and, yet, said leg(s) being at least in height such thatsaid layer of plastic of said cake shield is suspended above said topiced surface of said cake.
 2. A cake shield as claimed in claim 1 whichis transparent.
 3. A cake shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cakeshield is provided with at least three equidistant legs.
 4. (Canceled).5. A cake shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein said window is arcuate inshape.
 6. A cake shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein said layer ofplastic is circular.
 7. A cake shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidlayer of plastic is rectangular.
 8. A cake shield as claimed in claim 1wherein said layer of plastic is shaped to correspond to a visual theme.9. A cake shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein the edge of said windowis perforated to allow none, partial or all of said window to beselectively opened to expose the portion of said iced surface of saidcake superimposed by said window.
 10. A cake shield as claimed in claim1 wherein said layer of plastic is graphically decorated.
 11. A cakeshield as claimed in claim 10 wherein said layer of plastic furtherincludes one or more of the following graphic elements: a name; thenumber of years for a birthday; a text greeting; the words:“Congratulations;” “Happy Birthday;” and “Happy Anniversary;” and atheme.
 12. A cake shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein said window isrecessed inwardly from the outside perimeter of said cake shield. 13.(Canceled).
 14. A cake shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein said legsare integrally formed with said layer of plastic.
 15. A cake shield asclaimed in claim 14 wherein three of said legs are provided.
 16. A cakeshield as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least three of said legs areprovided, said legs are equidistant from one another and not locatedbeneath said window.
 17. (Canceled).
 18. (Canceled).